BOCA RATON – Every preview of FAU’s linebacker unit, and even the defense as a whole, this fall will begin with Azeez Al-Shaair. With good reason.

Al-Shaair is Conference USA’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He’ already the Owls’ leading tackler in program history, and his 147 tackles last season were third-most nationally. Al-Shaair is a monster on the field and an inspiration off it.

With Al-Shaair’s star shining so brightly, the play of outside linebacker Rashad Smith sometimes gets lost in the shadows.

Smith’s contributions, however, shouldn’t be overlooked.

Last season as a sophomore Smith’s six sacks tied with Hunter Snyder for the Owls’ lead. He came one tackle shy of 100, and his 12 tackles for loss led FAU.

Like Al-Shaair, Smith has knack for finding the football. He broke up five passes last season, a total that trails only cornerback Shelton Lewis among Owls.

In Smith and Al-Shaair, FAU boasts the best linebacker tandem in Conference USA.

The Owls don’t have a proven third linebacker, but they really don’t need one, either.

FAU’s base 4-3 defense calls for three linebackers, but the Owls spend nearly all their time in the nickel defense, taking one outside linebacker off the field and replacing him with an LB/CB hybrid.

Such an alignment puts added pressure on Al-Shaair and Smith in the running game, but they’ve certainly proven they can handle it.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp FAU LB Preview

DEPTH CHARTMLBAzeez Al-Shaair (6-2, 225, Sr.): What more can be said about Al-Shaair? He may well graduate as the best defensive player in FAU history. Every tackle he makes establishes a new record. He tore a ligament in his elbow during the third game of the season, missed only one game, then underwent offseason Tommy John surgery to repair the elbow. Al-Shaair missed all of spring while recovering, but he’ll be ready once the season begins.

Kris Harris (6-0, 230, R-Sr.): Harris played sparingly last season, but still recorded a respectable 20 tackles, some of which came on special teams. He played well in the spring, but if Al-Shaair is forced to miss any time this season, there’s a good chance Rashad Smith slides over to start in the middle.

Hosea Barnwell (6-0, 215, Jr.): He recorded 25 tackles last season, his first with the Owls, but struggled during his biggest assignment – a loss at Buffalo in which Al-Shaair sat out. Barnwell enjoyed what appeared to be a breakout spring in 2017, but hasn’t been much of a factor since.

OLBRashad Smith (6-1, 220, Jr.): A versatile linebacker who has improved every season, Smith recorded 99 tackles last season as a true sophomore. He has good range and makes plays in the backfield. Smith has All-Conference USA potential.

Andrew Soroh (6-2, 220, R-Sr.): A safety most of his career, FAU experimented with Soroh at linebacker last season and moved him there full time during the spring. Soroh has a couple season’s worth of starts to his credit, and when he delivers a hit the ballcarrier knows it. The challenge for Soroh will be finding playing time.

Khantrell Burden (6-1, 225, Sr.): Burden is coming off his best spring and looks like a capable backup. If FAU returns to its base 4-3, which Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro might elect to do in the season’s second game vs. Air Force’s ground attack, Burden could be the guy who draws the starting assignment as the third LB. He’ll also continue to contribute on special teams.

NICKELHerb Miller (6-2, 190, Sr.): Equally adept at covering a receiver/tight end and delivering big hits, Miller recorded 35 tackles last season and also intercepted a pass. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. With another strong season he’ll be looking at an NFL career.

Korel Smith (5-10, 175, R-So.): A strong spring allowed Smith to take over the backup nickel role, though Quran Hafiz is right behind. He’s good in coverage but his lack of size is a negative in run support. It doesn’t, however, prevent Smith from sticking his helmet into the hole. Smith played in all 14 games last season, recording 19 tackles.

Quran Hafiz (6-0, 185, So.): Hafiz started one game as a true freshman and played in 13. He’s credited with 36 tackles, with four being for loss. He’s certainly talented and loves to hit. Hafiz may eventually become a full-time safety. That fact that he starts the season third on the depth chart is a testament to FAU’s depth at nickel.

KEY ADDITIONSChase Lasater (6-2, 235, R-Fr.): FAU didn’t sign a linebacker to its 2018 signing class, but did elect to move Lasater, a member of its 2017 class, to linebacker. He’s not likely to be a factor this season, as the Owls are stacked, but he’s physical enough to grow into the position.

Teja Young (5-11, 170, Fr.): FAU is listing Young as a CB/Nickel on its preseason roster. He’s a little undersized to play nickel, but Young’s athleticism will quickly get him on the field. His major contributions in 2018 will probably come as a returner.

KEY LOSSES
None.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEAkileis Leroy (5-11, 235, So.): Leroy played in all 14 games, mostly on special teams. He was credited with six tackles as a true freshman, and could climb the depth chart at middle linebacker this season. Leroy may still be a year away from significant contributions of defense, but could surprise in 2018.PREVIOUS FAU POSITION PREVIEWS

BOCA RATON – To discern why FAU’s defense showed such improvement last season compared with the previous couple years, begin where everything begins – in the middle.

The departure of Brandin Bryant and Trevon Coley to the NFL left the Owls clamoring for stoppers in the middle.

In 2017, those runs up the middle that gashed the Owls for big yardage stopped. In his junior season, Steven Leggett emerged as a stalwart up the middle, positioning himself for a senior season that could lead, like it did for Coley and Bryant, to an NFL career.

To bolster last year’s line, FAU imported Pitt transfer Jeremiah Taleni. Like many of grad transfers, Taleni brought more than play-making ability to the field. He offered a large dose of stability, too.

Chris Kiffin, last year’s defensive coordinator, liked to rotate his defensive tackles, and the improvement of Will Davis and Kevin McCrary allowed him to do so with negligible drop-off in performance. New defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro employs a similar substitution pattern.

McCrary and Davis return for their junior years, and the addition of JUCO transfer Charles Cameron gives the Owls two-deep strength in the middle of the defense.

Pecoraro’s attacking style of defense doesn’t work if the Owls aren’t able to prevent productive runs through the gut of the defense. With four quality run stoppers rotating in the middle, Pecoraro should have his entire playbook available.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp FAU DT Preview

DEPTH CHARTDTSteven Leggett (6-1, 295, Sr.): A veteran along the defensive line, 5.5 of the 35 tackles recorded by Leggett last season came behind the line of scrimmage. Leggett led FAU’s DTs in tackles last season, with five of them coming in the Owls’ Boca Raton Bowl victory over Akron. He doesn’t get as much recognition as some others on defense, but Leggett’s consistent production affords the likes of Azeez Al-Shaair, Rashad Smith and Jalen Young the ability to make their plays.

Will Davis (6-0, 280, Jr.): Davis spent much of spring as a starter and will see plenty of playing time this season regardless of whether he’s technically a first teamer or second teamer. He played in all 14 games last season, recording 21 tackles. Davis is developing into an integral part of the Owls.

DTKevin McCrary (6-2, 285, Jr.): A tremendous athlete, McCrary advanced to the first team late in spring. He played in all 14 games last season, recording 25 tackles. Even if McCrary isn’t able to hold this starting spot throughout the fall, but he’ll still play a significant role in 2018.

Charles Cameron (6-2, 305, Jr.): Think of Cameron as Taleni 2.0 – only the JUCO transfer received a head start. Cameron was the lone member of the 2018 signing class to enroll for the spring semester, thereby affording him the opportunity to participate in spring practices. He dominated at times this spring, and it wouldn’t be one bit surprising if Cameron claims a starting spot early in fall camp.

KEY ADDITIONSCharles Cameron: He led Copiah-Lincoln Community College with 48 tackles, including nine sacks, last season. Powerful and surprising agile for his size, Cameron is going to be a key component of the Owls’ defensive line this season, regardless of whether or not he’s technically considered a starter.

Jalen Joyner (6-3, 250, Fr.): Joyner mostly played defensive end during high school, but the Owls could elect to move him inside for his college career. FAU has depth along the defensive line – both at defensive end and defensive tackle – so a redshirt season appears likely.

Marcel Southall (6-3, 295, R-So.): FAU signed Southall with the intention of having him play on the offensive line, but with the Owls bringing eight new offensive linemen to camp, including former Florida guard Antonio Riles, they may elect to move him back to defense. Seven of Southall’s 22 tackles last season for Tyler Junior College came behind the line of scrimmage. Southall originally signed with Texas out of high school, so the raw talent is there.

KEY LOSSESJeremiah Taleni: As a grad transfer from Pitt, Taleni made his lone season at FAU count. He’s credited with 32 tackles for last season’s C-USA title team, with 5.5 coming behind the line of scrimmage.

Romello Martin: A late addition to FAU’s 2017 signing class, Martin sat out all of last season with a knee injury. Martin started spring strong but faded as the weeks progressed. He is no longer with the team.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATE
Ray Ellis (6-1, 285, R-Sr.): A career that began with so much promise in now in the rebuilding stages. Season-ending knee injuries – one suffered during 2016 fall camp, the other in last season’s first game – essentially caused Ellis to miss two full season and kept him away from contact during this year’s spring practice, too. Ellis played in six games, starting two as a true freshman in 2014. As a starter in 2015 he totaled 24 tackles. Ellis is not exactly a fresh name at FAU, and it’s difficult at this point for coaches to expect much of a contribution from Ellis, but if he can return to the player he was a couple years ago FAU could enjoy even greater depth in the middle of the defense.

BOCA RATON – The South Florida I-95 billboard promoting FAU running back Devin Singletary is only the beginning of the Owls’ plans to market the back called “Motor” as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

FAU has created a campaign that heavily relies on social media along with direct promotion to Heisman voters.

“To me it’s pretty exciting to have a Heisman candidate on your team,” FAU athletic director Brian White said. “For our fans, for our student athletes, for our coaches, not only do you want to win at a high level as a team but the Heisman has some special history in college football.”

First presented by New York’s Downtown Athletic Club in 1935, the Heisman Trophy honors that year’s most outstanding college football player.

Singletary solidified his candidacy with a record-breaking performance last season in which he led the nation in rushing touchdowns, 32, overall touchdowns, 33, and scoring, 198 points. Only two players in the history of college football ever rushed for more touchdowns in a season. His 1,920 rushing yards ranked fourth nationally.

“My thought is the guy that led the nation in scoring last year, it’s a no-brainer,” White said. “You would think he’s a strong Heisman candidate. For us to not say that would be not doing right by the kid.”

Earlier this week Conference USA picked Singletary, its reigning MVP, as the preseason Offensive Player of the Week.

Singletary said he felt “honored” that FAU elected to raise his likeness on a billboard. He learned last week of the Owls’ plan to market him as a Heisman candidate.

The billboard, which greets southbound I-95 motorists as they roll from Boynton Beach into Delray Beach, features a tight cutout of Singletary running with the ball adjacent to the phrase “Heisman in Paradise. The registered trademark symbol, the letter “R” inside a circle, appears next to the word “Heisman.”

“We are approved by the Heisman trust,” White said. “It is legit. They voted on it, their board, and they approved of us using that mark.”

White said FAU is planning for about 20 marketing pieces promoting Singletary as a Heisman candidate over the next few months. Many will be videos that FAU creates for its increasingly popular social media accounts.

FAU also plans to send an introductory package, including a card detailing Singletary’s accomplishments, to each Heisman voter prior to the start of the season – an attempt to ensure he’s on everyone’s radar.

“It’s more tactically than just a big billboard, but I think you’ve got to have the big billboard so people around here understand that it’s legitimate,” White said.

The billboard is one of three touting FAU football. A mile or so south of Singletary’s billboard travelers will see one bearing Kiffin’s photo with the tag “Winning in Paradise.” A similar Kiffin billboard appears in Broward County.

In the past some schools promoted their Heisman candidates with billboards in New York’s Times Square, near the headquarters of the Downtown Athletic Club. FAU does not plan to take its marketing campaign that far.

“I’d be lying if I told you we hadn’t price it out,” said White, bursting into the laughter of a man who couldn’t quite keep a secret. “I’m not sure it’s in our budget, though.”

Cost of such a billboard runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, which would clearly break the cash-conscious Owls’ bank.

White declined to reveal the cost of Singletary’s I-95 billboard, which debuted Thursday, but did say it’s significantly less than a New York promotion. The funds for the entire campaign are drawn from the Owls football marketing budget.

Whatever the amount, the money will be well spent if FAU can help get its star running back to New York in December as a finalist for college football’s most prestigious award.

“It would be incredible,” White said. “Think about how many people watch that event in New York and how that puts us up on the national stage, what that would do. To me it’s amazing.”

Heisman Campaign

FAU plans more than a billboard touting running back Devin Singletary's Heisman candidacy. The Owls have an entire marketing plan designed to keep Singletary in the national conversation.

FAU coach Lane Kiffin isn’t ruling out the possibility that he, and not new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., will call the plays during games this year.

“We’re figuring that out,” Kiffin said on Thursday at Conference USA’s media days in Frisco, Tex. “He calls them now. It’s good practice for him. We’ll just kind of figure that out as we get closer.”

In January Kiffin hired the then-24-year-old Weis away from the Atlanta Falcons, where he served as an offensive analyst, making the coach’s son the youngest FBS offensive coordinator in NCAA history.

Weis replaced Kendal Briles, who successfully brought the Baylor spread offense to Boca Raton, leading to a program-record point total, along with the Owls’ first Conference USA championship and the Boca Raton Bowl title.

This year’s offense will contain many of those same Baylor principles, but Kiffin is tweaking them by adding tricks he gained as the offensive coordinator for NCAA title teams at USC and Alabama.

“We don’t want to change too much because we’ve been playing really well,” Kiffin said. “But at the same time you’ve got to guard about your ego coming in – that, OK, we’ve got this thing figured out because we did play so well. You’ve always got the be evolving and trying to keep up with things and change.”

Weis is part of that change.

“He’s brought some good ideas that they did at Atlanta,” Kiffin said.

Before Kiffin and Weis can determine who calls plays, they will first have to pick a starting quarterback.

Redshirt junior De’Andre Johnson, a former Florida St. Seminole, and Chris Robison, formerly an Oklahoma Sooner, are battling for the starting role.

Neither has ever started an FBS game, which will prompt Kiffin to simplify the Owls’ offense – at least early in the season.

“I think you cut back at the beginning with any new starter, especially if it is Chris, because he’s just a freshman,” Kiffin said. “But with both guys you want to cut back so that they will get off to a really good start.”

The 11 wins FAU posted last season are a program record for a season. One of the challenges Kiffin faced this summer was convincing his Owls not to be sucked into the expectations of people around them – noting that when the players walk around campus, the classmates, faculty and staff they associate with may have unrealistic expectations concerning how easy it is to repeat.

“It is difficult because outside of the building they hear it all the time,” Kiffin said. “The expectations get high. It’s like we’re not even an underdog in the opener against Oklahoma. You talk to people around there, they just think, You know, we’re going to go win the game.”

FAU is in fact a decided underdog on Sept. 1 in that season opener at Oklahoma, a team expected to be ranked in the Top 10 to start the season. Most oddsmakers have the Sooners winning that game by more than 20 points.

Kiffin, however, doesn’t expect an experience Owl team to be intimidated.

“These guys have played in big places before, last year, and finished playing really well, so I know they are excited for the challenge,” Kiffin said.

Kiffin Calling Plays?

FAU coach Lane Kiffin leaves open the possibility that he, not offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, will call plays this season for the Owls.

Trey Hendrickson had graduated, taking with him his FAU career-high 29.5 sacks, 9.5 of which came as a senior. How would the Owls match Hendrickson’s destructiveness in the backfield?

While there was no true replacement for Hendrickson, the best defensive end in program history, the Owls’ defensive line found a way to excel without him.

For FAU’s defensive ends, it was a group effort.

Five of them combined to total 15 sacks in 2017, one shy of the total the Hendrickson-led crew tallied the year prior. As a team, the Owls recorded 38 sacks in 2017, a full 15 more than they managed in 2016.

True, FAU’s offense posted a staggering amount of points, forcing opponents to abandon the running game early, thereby producing many more sack opportunities. But that shouldn’t diminish the accomplishments of the Owls’ defensive ends.

And that performance should only improve in 2018 as new defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro’s ferociously aggressive defense will provide more opportunities for the ends to attack.

In Hunter Snyder and Leighton McCarthy, the Owls return their two best pass rushers. Injuries have limited Snyder during his career and he lacks the motor that drove Hendrickson, but with a good senior season he could leave Boca Raton as the second-best defensive end ever to play at FAU.

Only a redshirt freshman last season, McCarthy is pure pass rusher who will become a better run stuffer as he adds muscle.

Ernest Bagner and Tim Bonner, junior college transfers prior to the 2017 season, didn’t produce as expected last season but made strides during the spring.

Expect that quartet to create even more mischief in opponents’ backfields this season.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp FAU DE Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTLDEHunter Snyder (6-7, 265, R-Sr.): Snyder tied linebacker Rashad Smith for FAU’s sack title last season with six. His 12.5 career sacks tie for fifth-most in FAU history, and with four sacks he’ll be alone in second. He didn’t get named a preseason All-Conference USA performer, but with a healthy season Snyder will be there at the end of the year.

Tim Bonner (6-5, 235, R-Jr.): Originally a Louisville Cardinal before transferring to East Mississippi Community College, the “Last Chance U” star struggled with the adjustment back to FBS football. Primarily a special teams contributor last season, Bonner only managed eight tackles, though one was a sack. Bonner looked more comfortable during the spring, but has a ways to go to displace Snyder as a starter. He is better suited than Snyder to dropping back into coverage – something Pecoraro’s defense asks defensive ends to do occasionally.

David Belvin (6-3, 260, R-So.): Belvin has yet to contribute as an Owl, but he did flash at times during the spring. He ended spring third on the depth chart and will have to demonstrate the ability to contribute more consistently if he’s going to climb higher.

Anthony Bennett (6-3, 245, R-Jr.): One of the more pleasant surprises of 2017 spring practices, Bennett’s successes didn’t carry over to the fall. He played in nine games, even recording a sack in the C-USA title game, but didn’t make much of an impact. When he’s on the field, Bennett gives his all.

RDELeighton McCarthy (6-3, 220, R-So.): A quick first step and an uncanny ability to get around the corner allowed McCarthy to climb the depth chart faster than almost anyone expected last season. His 4.5 sacks were the biggest reason C-USA honored McCarthy on its All-Freshman team. McCarthy recorded 48 total tackles in his first year. He’s undersized, but that lack of bulk allows McCarthy to successfully drop into coverage when asked. He nabbed the Owls first interception last season.

Ernest Bagner (6-4, 250, Sr.): His initial season at FAU disappointed, but Bagner became a force during spring practices. There’s a good argument to be made that Bagner was this spring’s best defensive player – regardless of position. He sports a bigger frame than McCarthy, which allows Bagner to be more effective on inside runs. If Bagner’s spring play carries over to fall, the Owls will have a formidable rotation at right end.

Damian Horton (6-3, 250, R-Jr.): Like Belvin, Horton has yet to contribute to the Owls, and time is running out. He worked his way to third on the spring depth chart, which won’t equate to much playing time this fall if he doesn’t produce in fall camp.

Kain Daub (6-4, 250, R-Sr.): The former Florida St. Seminole qualifies as one of last season’s biggest disappointments. He arrived at FAU overweight and out of shape, and struggled to find playing time. Daub is officially listed as a linebacker on the Owls’ roster, but he’s currently better suited to defensive end.

KEY ADDITIONSTre Jackson (6-2, 220, Fr.): Jackson chose FAU over interest from Air Force and Maryland. He recorded 12 sacks as a senior at Winter Garden-West Orange. Jackson’s ability to find playing time this season may well depend upon the health of the players ahead of him on the depth chart.

Jaylon Joyner (6-3, 250, Fr.): Joyner played defensive end in high school but could ultimately move to defensive tackle at FAU. Like many FAU defensive ends, he’s quick off the ball. A redshirt season could be in order for Joyner.

Devin Hayes (6-6, 250, Fr.): Hayes will likely begin his FAU career as an offensive tackle, but many schools recruited him to play defense. FAU counts eight offensive linemen as part of its 2018 signing class. If coaches feel they have the needed O-line depth, they may elect to flip him back to defense.

KEY LOSSESHaiden Nagel: A walk-on who earned a scholarship in 2016, Nagel recorded 2.5 sacks last season as a senior. Nagel played in all 14 games last season as a reserve.

Nick Internicola: Injuries limited Internicola’s production at FAU. At one point a contender for a starting spot, Internicola played every game last season and is credited with 17 tackles.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEErnest Bagner: He looked like a different player in the spring – confident, decisive and athletic. Bagner only recorded 13 tackles last season. FAU coach Lane Kiffin attributed Bagner’s lack of production to the struggles some junior college players encounter adjusting to the FBS level. If Bagner plays this fall like he did in the spring, he has All-Conference USA – and NFL – potential.PREVIOUS FAU POSITION PREVIEWS

BOCA RATON – Offensive guru Lane Kiffin didn’t find being the CEO – and only the CEO – of the FAU football program as easy as he thought it would be.

After FAU dropped its first two games of last year’s first season, Kiffin elected to take a larger role in the Owls’ offense.

“It wasn’t as easy as I thought to just sit back and not call plays,” Kiffin said. “I think I got more involved in daily planning, game planning, but not as far as, he called the plays.”

The “he” Kiffin is referring to was then-offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. Kiffin hired Briles to bring the Baylor offense to FAU.

Initial results proved deflating. FAU dropped its first two games of the season, falling to Navy 42-19 and Wisconsin 31-14. Devin Singletary only carried the ball six times against the Midshipmen and 17 times a week later in Madison – a dearth made even more alarming considering the explosive Singletary would juke, slither and power his way 1,920 yards and an NCAA-high 32 rushing touchdowns on the season.

“You figure out your team after a couple games,” Kiffin said. “To me, after the first two games it was really obvious that we should be a running team. We have some really good backs, especially one exceptional one, and the first game, whatever, you touch the ball two times in the first half or whatever? But that’s the head coach’s job.”

The offense took off once FAU become a run-first unit. FAU led Conference USA by averaging 285.3 yards on the ground per game, nearly a full football field more than second place Rice. The conference named Singletary its MVP.

FAU won its final 10 games, claimed the Conference USA championship and the Boca Raton Bowl title. (The switch from Daniel Parr to Jason Driskel most certainly impacted FAU’s growth, too.)

While Kiffin intervened to emphasize the running game while game planning for upcoming opponents, he insists that the play calling duties remained with Briles.

“Kendal called the plays,” he said.

Following the season Briles left FAU for the same position at Houston. Kiffin brought Briles to FAU so he could learn the Baylor offense from one of its creators. That course is complete. Now Kiffin is once again the teacher.

Kiffin replaced Briles with 24-year-old Charlie Weis Jr., giving the prodigy his first shot at a coordinator position.

Weis Jr. and Kiffin worked together at Alabama as analyst and coordinator, respectively. The duo demonstrated a good working rapport during spring practices, but Kiffin did intervene with mid-practice suggestions more frequently than he did when Briles ran the offense.

Kiffin’s relationship with Weis will undoubtedly be a frequent topic during FAU’s time in the C-USA spotlight at this week’s media days in Frisco, Tex. Kiffin is scheduled to address reporters Thursday morning, as are Singletary, the preseason C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Throughout spring Kiffin insisted that Weis will handle play-calling duties. But Kiffin will certainly be ready to provide, shall we say, suggestions.

Offensive Intervention

FAU coach Lane Kiffin says it was harder than he expected to leave all the offensive responsibities to Kendal Briles. He became more involved in the game plan as 2017 progressed.

BOCA RATON — An interior line depleted by departures following its dominant 2017 season looked to be one of FAU’s biggest question marks heading into the fall.

The uncovering of a second-year hidden gem and a pair of graduate transfers could be the answers.

With standouts Jakobi Smith, Roman Fernandez, and Antonyo Woods having exhausted eligibility, the hunt for newfound talent among the interior three began in the spring with a position shuffling – BJ Etienne from tackle to guard – and in a corresponding move, former guard Tarrick Thomas sliding to center.

The 2018 spring was Etienne’s first experience at guard, but the Fort Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas product sure didn’t play like it. He was a natural at his new position, able to use a balance of the quickness and athleticism he possessed from playing tackle with the strength and intricate footwork skills requisite for a guard.

His strong spring performance should be considered more than a flash in the pan considering an interesting roster decision Kiffin made last fall. Etienne earned a late season call up after spending the majority of 2017 on the scout team, suggesting he showed flashes of potential in his freshman season as well.

Graduate transfers Junior Diaz and Antonio Riles are headed to FAU as part of the 2018 recruiting class. The pair of new additions appeared in a combined 34 games over their careers at Tulane and Florida respectively. Kiffin is hoping their experience and veteran savvy will make for a seamless transition for both his two new players, and the offense as a whole.

Left tackle Reggie Bain and right tackle Brandon Walton are the lone carryovers of last season’s talented starting five. The bookends are locked into their respective starting positions heading into the fall and will anchor the pocket of whoever lines up at quarterback for the Owls in 2018.

By filling in at center in the spring, Thomas now has experience at all three interior line positions. The Tallahassee native was solid in holding his blocks at the point of attack but struggled at times to generate push past the line of scrimmage.

He is more than capable of stepping in if called upon however, considering Devin Singletary doesn’t need much space at all to burst through the cracks of the defense and light up the scoreboard. Whether he starts or is a key reserve remains to be seen. Having a versatile player like Thomas on the roster is a benefit to FAU in and of itself.

San Diego State transfer Will Tuihalamaka had the first crack at the starting right guard position in the spring, but his inconsistent play opened the door for walk-on Nick Weber to join the first team in his place.

Weber’s time on the first team was short lived, as by the end of spring ball Tuihalamaka regained his role atop the depth chart.

Depth on the line is not likely to be an issue this year, as Kiffin added a total of eight linemen in the 2018 recruiting cycle. Marcel Southall, Doug Johnson, Dacoda Weaver, Zack Bennett, Devin Hayes and Marquice Robinson round out the class that will be joining Riles and Diaz in Boca Raton this fall.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp FAU OL Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTLTReggie Bain (6-4, 300, R-Sr.): After an injury sustained from an automobile accident kept him on the sidelines in 2016, Bain responded emphatically with a strong first team All-Conference USA 2017 campaign. His play is an anomaly in a game of football that is filled with uncertainties. No matter the chaos surrounding him on each snap, the blind side he protects seems to always remain clean. Bain is an elite pass protector and is unafraid to bury defenders in the ground game.

Ean Biancardi (6-5, 285, R-So.): A serviceable swing lineman that was able to step in at both tackle spots in the spring. He has decent mobility for his size but needs to add strength and work on lowering his pad level if he hopes to find playing time.

LGBJ Etienne (6-3, 295, R-Fr.): The decision to convert Etienne to guard looked to be a home run this spring, and he should be even more comfortable at that position now that he has had a full summer of preparation there. Etienne’s footwork improved immensely between the fall and spring semesters of his freshman season, as with each passing rep the game seemed to slow down for the talented young player. If he takes another step forward, he has a great chance at landing the starting left guard job.

Marcel Southall (6-3, 295, R-So.): FAU coach Lane Kiffin didn’t sign a JUCO offensive linemen to sit the bench, but last year the Owls’ coach didn’t hand new players starting positions, either. Southall played mostly on the defensive line last season, so expect an adjustment period. Etienne’s strong spring earned him the right to begin camp as the starter, but Southall should push for a starting spot.

Jake Jones (6-0, 295, R-So.): He worked with the second team offensive line in the spring, but the walk-on from Seminole Ridge lacks the size to consistently keep top level Division I defensive linemen at bay.

CTarrick Thomas (6-4, 280, R-Jr.): A starter in the 2016 season before suffering a season ending injury, Thomas served as a reserve for the Owls last season. He is not a lock for starting duties by any means but is a dependable pass protector and can play up to three positions on the line.

Junior Diaz (6-2, 305, R-Sr.): A starter for the final two seasons of his Green Wave career, Diaz should bring stability and experience to an offense line badly in need of both. As a transfer, it’s unlikely that Diaz will work with the starting unit on Day 1, but he’s expected to quickly climb the depth chart.

Zack Bennett (6-3, 280, Jr.): When Bennett first committed to FAU, he appeared destined to take over as the Owls’ starting center. Then Diaz came on board, muddying Bennett’s status. If both Diaz and Bennett play to their capability, that may free Thomas to move to a different spot on the line.

RGWill Tuihalamaka (6-5, 315, R-Jr.): The former San Diego State Aztec saw the field sparingly in his first season at FAU in 2017 but was given an opportunity to run with the first team for most of the spring. If he gets his baseball-mitt sized hands on an opposing defensive lineman he will likely maul him into the ground, but that highlight oriented style of play leaves little margin for error. By going for the kill shot on his blocks, Tuihalamaka leaves himself exposed to get beat right off the snap in both the run and pass game. To keep himself in the starting conversation, he needs to work on his balance and break out of the bad habit of playing top heavy and power reliant.

Antonio Riles ((6-4, 328, R-Sr.): Riles has one season of eligibility remaining, and he didn’t come to FAU use that year on the bench. Knee injuries were an issue at Florida, but players who started games in the SEC don’t often fall into FAU’s lap. With the Owls clearly looking for more than what they’ve seen from Tuihalamaka, expect a rapid depth chart ascent from Riles.

Nick Weber (6-3, 295, R-Fr.): The second-year walk-on’s performance was one of FAU’s pleasant surprises early this spring, but as camp rolled on it seemed physical fatigue got the best of him. A former basketball and lacrosse player, Weber is a high-level athlete who moves extremely well in the run game, especially in getting to the second level. A summer of strength training likely aided Weber in his ability to withstand the labors of a long collegiate season. He will look to carry over the progress he made this offseason into fall camp.

RTBrandon Walton (6-5, 300, Jr.): With his large frame, physicality, and improved patience in pass protection, Walton is the total package when it comes to offensive linemen. This time last year he was fighting for a starting guard position, but for his and the team’s sake, he found a home at right tackle. The Largo native went under the radar in a prized 2017 unit, but Kiffin said earlier this spring that Walton was as good any lineman he had last season.

Robert Hawkins (6-6, 335, R-Fr.): A true mammoth of a man, there is no questioning whether Hawkins has the size to play at the Division I level. The rest of his game needs to match up to that physical prowess if he hopes to see the field this season. He needs to improve his mobility and conditioning, but his size and youth give him one of the highest ceilings on the unit should he put it all together.

KEY ADDITIONSJunior Diaz (6-2, 300, R-Sr.): Diaz becomes an Owl after spending three years at Tulane, and will push for the starting center position early in fall camp. The Miami Central High School alumnus is reunited with his high school teammate Reggie Bain this season.

Antonio Riles (6-4, 328, R-Sr.): Riles leaves Gainesville, Florida with a total of 19 games played, but that number would have been higher if not for a season ending he suffered in the fall camp of his 2016 season. The former Gator has four years of experience in college football’s most physical conference, and if his body can hold up, he will likely be a day one starter at guard in the absence of Roman Fernandez and Jakobi Smith.

Marcell Southall (6-3, 292, R-So.): Southall began his career as a Texas Longhorn. He played defensive tackle in junior college, but FAU believes he could be the guy to pave the way for Conference USA MVP Devin Singletary.

Zach Bennett (6-3, 280, Jr.): The JUCO transfer will at least add depth to FAU’s offensive line. He’ll be given the opportunity to compete for the starting spot, but appears to be starting camp on the outside looking in. Kansas and UCLA showed late interest in Bennett during the recruiting process.

Doug Johnson (6-7, 320, Fr.): Johnson started at tackle during all four years at Fort White. He certainly has the size to make an immediate impact at FAU, but is the conditioning there? The Owls have two strong starting tackles, but with the lack game-tested players behind them, Johnson could show he belongs on the two-deep.

Dacoda Weaver (6-5, 320, Fr.): FAU made a late, ultimately successful, push to sign Weaver, out of Lakeland. He’s on campus, and those who don’t know better might take one look at his body and think Weaver is an upper classman. He has a bright future at FAU.

Marquice Robinson (6-2, 315, Fr.): Teams the caliber of Auburn and Mississippi St. showed recruiting interest in Robinson before backing away because of academic concerns. Robinson fixed those issues and is currently on campus. He’s likely a guard but can play tackle. A redshirt 2018 season is probably in order for Robinson, but with his size and pedigree, along with the new rules governing redshirts, Robinson could be the rare true freshman who sees playing time on the offensive line.

Devin Hayes (6-6, 250, Fr.): Hayes can play either offensive tackle or defensive end. He’s expected to begin his Owls’ career on the offensive side of the ball, but could switch size depending on need. Hayes has yet to grow into his 6-foot-6 frame and would benefit from a redshirt year in the Owls strength program.

KEY LOSSESAntonyo Woods: While serving as FAU’s man in the middle last season, Woods earned All-Conference USA honors and graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ top centers in the country. His graduation is undeniably a big blow to the FAU offense, but Kiffin is counting on the experienced Diaz to soften it as best as he can.

Roman Fernandez: What Fernandez may have lacked in height, he certainly brought in effort and sheer strength. An All-Conference USA selection like his counterpart Woods, the powerful two-year starter helped his team build one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the college football.

Jakobi Smith: He may have been the least heralded of the three seniors up front while in college, but it was Smith who made it the closest to NFL Sundays. Smith attended minicamps for both the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals but is currently a free agent.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEMarcel Southall: FAU’s highest touted recruit took a leap of faith on National Signing Day. A four-star defensive lineman and Texas signee coming out of high school, Southall is converting to the offensive line at FAU after transferring from Tyler J.C. Southall is clearly not short on talent but has yet to prove if the traits that make him a great defensive lineman will translate to the offensive side of the ball. The saying goes “everything is bigger in Texas”, and if that reigns true in Southall’s skills he has a chance to be a major impact player on the Owls’ offensive line going forward.PREVIOUS FAU POSITION PREVIEWS

Conference USA media members picked FAU to repeat as the East Division champion in 2018, doing so overwhelmingly.

FAU grabbed 22 of 26 possible first-place votes. Marshall received the other four.

FAU blasted its way through C-USA last season en route to the program’s first title since joining the conference in 2013.

All but one FAU victory in Conference USA play, a 30-25 win over Marshall in November, were by double digits. FAU destroyed North Texas 41-17 in the Conference USA championship game, proving its 69-31 victory over the eventual West Division champ earlier in the season wasn’t a fluke.

C-USA media members expect a rematch in the 2018 championship game. North Texas received 18 first-place votes, with Louisiana Tech, UAB and Southern Miss also receiving first-place votes.

The preseason poll does not select an overall champion.

The 2017 preseason poll proved useless once the season began. The Owls were supposed to finish fifth in their own division, North Texas fourth in theirs. Neither team received a first place vote last season.

FAU will have to replace quarterback Jason Driskel. Neither redshirt freshman Chris Robison nor redshirt junior De’Andre Johnson, the two primary contestants in the FAU quarterback battle, have ever started a Division I game.

The Owls are must replace three starting offensive linemen, two of which – center Antonyo Woods and guard Roman Fernandez – were All-Conference USA selections.

In 2018, FAU’s defense may carry the team. C-USA coaches tabbed linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair as its Defensive Player of the Year. Safety Jalen Young, tied for second nationally in interceptions last season with seven, patrols the secondary. Cornerback Shelton Lewis is also a preseason All-Conference USA selection.

And new defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro, hired during the offseason from Southern Miss, brought an aggressive physical style of play to the Owls during spring drills.

FAU opens its season on Sept. 1 at Oklahoma. The Owls begin defense of their C-USA crown on Sept. 19 at Middle Tennessee.

Repeat Pick

Conference USA tabs FAU as the favorite to repeat as the conference champion in 2018.

BOCA RATON – At a time when many college football offenses are dispensing with tight ends, FAU’s continue to thrive.

Harrison Bryant, named a preseason All-Conference USA selection on, is next in line among the Owls’ prolific tight ends.

Bryant’s 32 catches and 408 receiving yards were third most among Owls despite his missing the final three games of the season with a broken foot. He returned for spring practice, showing he hadn’t lost a step.

At, 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Bryant represents a large target in the middle of the field. He also possesses the speed to make opposing defenders cheating to stop the run pay. Throw the ball his way and Bryant will catch it.

Bryant’s backup, John Raine, impressed enough early last season that the Owls didn’t hesitate to incorporate him into their offensive sets. He’s primarily a tight end, but can line up as an H-back when needed.

The work of Bryant and Raine in the middle of the field complements the speed of FAU’s outside and slot receivers. Bryant, especially, represents the kind of player defensive coordinators need to account for.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp TE Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTHarrison Bryant (6-5, 240, Jr.): A second-team All-Conference USA selection last season, Bryant’s five touchdown catches were second most among the Owls. He’s a threat in the red zone and can also make moves in open space. As he continues to add bulk, Bryant has grown into a better blocker, too. He’ll be the best all-around tight end in Conference USA.

John Raine (6-2, 235, Jr.): If Bryant needed to miss any time, the Owls would lean on Raine – and there wouldn’t be much of a drop in production. He has good hands and is a threat near the goal line. Raine isn’t as big as Bryant, but he brings toughness. Last season Raine caught six passes covering 50 yards, with all the catching coming once FAU began C-USA play. He’s still looking for his first collegiate touchdown. Maybe a switch from No. 30, which he wore during his first two seasons as an Owl, to No. 10 will help with that quest.

Jacob Wilson (6-4, 245, R-Sr.): Wilson’s FAU career hasn’t amounted to much statistically. He’s been primarily a special teams player, with most of that action coming last season. Though not exactly huge, Wilson is the bulkiest of FAU’s tight ends. He’ll likely be employed primarily as a blocker on short yardage and goal line sets.

KEY ADDITIONSNone: FAU elected not to sign a tight end as part of its 2018 signing class. The Owls also didn’t bring in any major transfers. That’s a testament to how comfortable they feel with their current group.

KEY LOSSESDustin Bowens: He only caught one pass while at FAU, but Bowens made his presence felt as a blocker in short yardage and goal line situations.

Chase Lasater: The sophomore is still with the team, but he switched positions. Lasater will play linebacker this fall.

BREAKOUT PLAYERLogan Peterson (6-2, 230, R-Fr.): A member of Lane Kiffin’s first signing class, Peterson is probably still a year away from making major contributions. He enjoyed a solid spring but, barring injuries, it’s difficult to see him surpassing Bryant and Raine. Still, Lane Kiffin is a master at finding inventive ways to utilize talented players who earn playing time.PREVIOUS FAU POSITION PREVIEWS

BOCA RATON – Conference USA coaches believe FAU’s roster boasts two of the best players in the league.

C-USA named FAU running back Devin Singletary its preseason Offensive Player of the Year and tabbed linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair as its Defensive Player of the Year.

Singletary, last season’s C-USA MVP, rushed for 1,920 yards and 32 touchdowns as a then-sophomore. The touchdown total led the nation and only three players in the history of college football have scored more in a single season. The back who goes by the nickname “Motor” is entering his junior season.

Earlier on Monday Singletary was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented each year by the Maxwell Club to college football’s player of the year.

FAU’s career tackling leader, Al-Shaair led Conference USA with 147 tackles – the second-highest single season total in FAU history. Al-Shaair is entering his senior season. The Maxwell Club named Al-Shaair to the watch list for its Bednarik Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive player.

Four other Owls joined Singletary and Al-Shaair on the preseason All-Conference team, split evenly between offense and defense.

Senior left tackle Reggie Bain is expected to be the glue of FAU’s offensive line. He’s coming off a season where he earned All-Conference recognition and could become the first FAU offensive lineman ever selected in the NFL draft.

Tight end Harrison Bryant joins Singletary and Bain on the offensive team. A rising junior, Bryant’s 32 catches last season were third most among Owls – and he missed the final three games of the season with a broken foot. Five of those catches went for touchdowns.

Defensively, it’s of little surprise that C-USA selected Jalen Young as a preseason All-Conference performer, An All-Conference USA performer last season, Young’s seven interceptions in 14 games tied for second nationally. His 77 tackles last season as a junior were third most among Owls.

The conference also selected cornerback Shelton Lewis to it’s All-Conference squad. Lewis intercepted four passes last season as a junior,

Unlike postseason All-Conference teams, the preseason selections do not include a second team.

FAU is coming off an 11-3 season in coach Lane Kiffin’s first season. It culminated with the Owls’ first Conference USA championship and a Boca Bowl title.

Conference USA launches its football media days this week in Texas.

Here is the complete 2018 preseason All-Conference USA team:

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Devin Singletary, Jr., RB, Florida Atlantic

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Azeez Al-Shaair, Sr., LB, Florida Atlantic

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Parker Shaunfield, Sr., K, Southern Miss

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